Kenneth E. Snyder

Kenneth E. Snyder, age 87, passed peacefully on April 30, 2015 at 11:09 a.m. in his room at Greencroft Healthcare, Goshen, Indiana from complications of Parkinson's Disease. Kenneth was born July 2, 1927 to Bert D. Snyder and Gladys D. (Zook) Snyder at home near Cheraw, Colorado. He grew up on the family farm near Cheraw and attended local schools through 11th grade. For his senior year Kenneth attended Hesston Academy in Hesston, Kansas where he was valedictorian. From September 1947 to June 1952 Kenneth attended Goshen College and Goshen Biblical Seminary in Goshen. During that time he completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible, a Bachelor of Religious Education degree, and a Bachelor of Theology degree. He married Celesta L. Gascho on September 8, 1950 in Pigeon, Michigan. She survives. Kenneth and Celesta moved to Corry, Pennsylvania in 1952 where Kenneth served the Beaverdam Mennonite Church as Pastor for five years through August 1957, being ordained on January 18, 1953. During the years between 1952 and 1960 Kenneth gave leadership to Mennonite Camping at different times at Laurelville Mennonite Camp (Mt. Pleasant, PA), Camp Luz (Kidron, OH), and Camp Amigo (Sturgis, MI). Kenneth and Celesta and family returned to Goshen where Kenneth attended Goshen College from September 1957 to June 1958 when he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and received a state license to teach in elementary schools in Indiana and Michigan. In 1964 Kenneth received a master's degree in Elementary Counseling and Guidance from Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan. Kenneth taught one year in Bremen, Indiana, one semester in Mendon, Michigan, and was employed for 33 and 1/2 years in Elkhart, Indiana elementary schools (Mary Daly, Samuel Strong, Lincoln, and Mary Feeser). Kenneth retired from teaching in June 1993. Throughout his teaching career Kenneth operated a house-painting service during the summer months. During retirement Kenneth volunteered at several local organizations, notably the Boys & Girls Club of Goshen where he tutored students for many years. Kenneth also had life-long interests in auto mechanics and carpentry. Kenneth is survived by his wife, Celesta (Gascho) Snyder of Goshen; a daughter, Miriam Snyder of Goshen, and three sons, Merle (Mary Alderfer) Snyder of Denver, Colorado, Lester (Kathy) Snyder of Newton, Kansas and Dale (Anita) Snyder of Goshen. A son, Keith Snyder, preceded Kenneth in death in 1986. Kenneth is survived by seven grandchildren, Chase (Emily Miller) Snyder of Seattle, Washington, Sophie Snyder of Denver, Colorado, Nicholas (Emily DeVoe) Snyder of Belmont, California, Vanessa Snyder of Newton, Kansas, Alisha Snyder of Goshen, Andrew Snyder of Goshen and Kyle Snyder of Goshen; and two great-grandchildren. Kenneth is survived by three sisters, Alta (Murray) Krabill of Fredricktown, Ohio, Lois (Jake) Birkey of Manson, Iowa, and Alma (Stan) Schloneger of Louisville, Ohio, and a brother, Melvin (Ilse) Snyder of Colorado Springs, Colorado. A brother, Allen and a sister, Ruth preceded Kenneth in death. Kenneth and Celesta joined the College Mennonite Church in Goshen on August 28, 1960. Friends may call Saturday, May 16, 2015 from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the Gathering Room at College Mennonite Church where a 3 p.m. memorial service will be conducted. A committal service will be conducted on Saturday, May 16 at 11:30 a.m. at West Goshen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Boys and Girls Club of Goshen or La Casa.